Release: 2025
Size: 12″x9″
Fun fact: a porcupine can have up to 30,000 quills! This whimsical woodblock print illustrates the critter using one to write on an unraveling paper scroll. Scribe is the perfect gift for a poet, novelist, or pen pal—anyone who appreciates the written word and animals.
8″ x 10″ Woodblock Print | 9″ x 12″ Japanese Paper
2025
How does a skunk’s fur stay silky smooth? The secret is good old-fashioned printmaking ink, which restores their coat to a lustrous black. Tidy illustrates that even intensely aromatic creatures need a spa day!
14″ x 20″ Woodblock Print | 18″ x 24″ Paper
Edition 23 | Proofs 3
2024
This woodblock print illustrates an Atlantic Puffin in mid-flight. The soft background creates a sense of depth, while the mark-making in the puffin’s body draws the eye inward to admire the small details. This piece may conjure illusions of the North Sea, and it is the perfect complement to any nature-themed room.
10″ x 12″ Woodblock Print | 15″ x 21″ Japanese Paper
Edition 19
2024
This woodblock print illustrates an Atlantic Puffin in mid-flight. The mark-making in the puffin’s body draws your eye inward, letting you get lost in striking details. The black-and-white variant of Into Thin Air distills the energy of its color counterpart, making it ideal for those who desire a monochromatic piece that will complement any decor.
8″ x 10″ Woodblock Print | 9″ x 12″ Japanese Paper
Edition 22 | Proofs 1
2024
This woodblock print illustrates a pair of mourning doves enjoying a winter day. One bird looks down at its companion, who is covered in snow. Fresh powder falling from branches as birds came and went inspired the idea.
8″ x 10″ Woodblock Print | 9″ x 12″ Japanese Paper
2024
This woodblock print illustrates a pair of mourning doves enjoying a winter day. One bird looks down at its companion, who is covered in snow. Fresh powder falling from branches as birds came and went inspired the idea.
Release: 2024
Size: 12″x9″
The elegant shape of Trumpet Swans inspired me to make this piece. I sketched them hovering over wave patterns while filming a new series of woodblock printmaking instructional videos. Swans and flamingos have also influenced my other artwork, such as my prints Dual Nature and Exodus.
Lyell Castonguay designed, carved, and printed this original artwork. Ink is applied to a carved wooden block and hand-pressed onto Japanese Moonpeach paper. The artist signed and titled the artwork in pencil.
Release: 2024
Size: 12″x9″ (including margins)
The chipmunk Acorn is well attuned to the finer points of art-making. When not busy at the bird feeder or gathering nuts for the winter, Acorn dons an apron and visualizes a creative masterpiece.
Lyell Castonguay designed, carved, and printed this original artwork. Ink is applied to a carved wooden block and hand-pressed onto a Japanese paper called Chiri. The artist signed and titled the artwork in pencil.
Date: 2024
Size: 12″x9″ (including margins)
Crows are a regular part of rural life, thriving where I live. I frequently hear them outside calling back and forth to each other in the tall pines and see them sweeping the agricultural lands for food. One day, I saw a group walking among dandelions in a hayfield. The visual inspired me to create this artwork. I titled the piece Familiar Territory because crows quickly adapt to their surroundings, and their extended family groups are numerous.
Lyell Castonguay designed, carved, and printed this original artwork. Ink is applied to a carved wooden block and hand-pressed onto a Japanese mulberry paper called Chiri. The artist signed and titled the artwork in pencil.
I was inspired to create this artwork after learning that scientists have limited knowledge about narwhals and only recently recorded their vocalizations at length. My piece depicts two narwhals entwined, one framed by ice and the other by water. It is a poetic interpretation of the ongoing impact of climate change on marine wildlife.
Lyell Castonguay designed, carved, and printed this original artwork. Ink is applied to a carved wooden block and hand-pressed onto Japanese Moon Peach paper. Multiple carved blocks layer colors, resulting in a dramatic effect. The artist signed, titled, and numbered the edition in pencil below the image.
Release: 2023
Edition: 16
Proofs: 1
Size: 24″ x 18″ (including margins)
This piece illustrates a fledgling Catbird plunging headlong into the unknown. It captures the moment the bird leaps from its nest, legs outstretched, beak open. The bird is off balance and waiting for its flight instinct to kick in. The bird puts its life on the line by defying gravity but gains the world in return.
Lyell Castonguay designed, carved, and printed this original artwork. Ink is applied to a carved wooden block and hand-pressed onto Japanese Moon Peach paper. The artist signed, titled, and numbered the edition in pencil below the image.
I was inspired to create this work after reading that Magpies recognize their reflection in a mirror. Their ability suggests the theory of mind, which attributes mental states such as beliefs, intents, desires, emotions, and knowledge, among others, to oneself and others. Magpies join an elite group of animals, including Elephants and Dolphins, admired for their brains and beauty.
Lyell Castonguay designed, carved, and printed this original artwork. Ink is applied to a carved wooden block and hand-pressed onto Japanese Moon Peach paper. The artist signed, titled, and numbered the edition in pencil below the image.
Date: 2023
Size: 12 “x9” (including margins)
The cobra Slinky enjoys a refreshing dip in the ink can. It’s the best way for an artistic serpent to unwind. Slinky remains poised, and the printmaking brayer is ready for when inspiration strikes!
This original artwork is designed, carved, and printed by Lyell Castonguay. Ink is applied to a carved wooden block and hand-pressed onto Japanese Chiri. Chiri has randomly distributed bark pieces sprinkled throughout, so every sheet of paper is unique. The artwork is signed in pencil by the artist.
Date: 2023
Size: 12″x9″ (including margins)
Behold the mythical Pufferkeet, part pufferfish, part parakeet. As critters go, the Pufferkeet is an enigma. Sure, the spikes are intimidating. They signal to others to stay back! But the eye tells another story. It beckons the viewer closer to gaze upon a pricky countenance. Watch out; this adorable critter will find its way to your heart.
This original artwork was designed, carved, and printed by Lyell Castonguay. Ink is applied to a carved wooden block and hand-pressed onto Japanese Chiri. Chiri has randomly distributed bark pieces sprinkled throughout, so every sheet of paper is unique. The artwork is signed in pencil by the artist.
This woodblock print is inspired by the theme of opposites: black and white, night and day, ying and yang. The idea took several drawings to refine. The concept was brewing in my subconscious after receiving several requests for a Loon image from clients. I wanted to make an image where the viewer dwells on harmonious opposites. It is signed on the back to hang on the wall in either direction.
Lyell Castonguay designed, carved, and printed this original artwork. Ink is applied to a carved wooden block and hand-pressed onto Strathmore 300 Series paper. Multiple carved blocks layer colors, resulting in a dramatic effect. The artist signed, titled, and numbered the edition in pencil below the image.
Date: 2022
Size: 12″x9″
I enjoy creating avian-inspired critters because of my six pet birds. They fly about the studio, getting into mischief and providing inspiration. Pom-Pom began as a sketch of two eyes and a beak. After reviewing several ideas for illustrating the body, I carried over a texture I’d developed for a previous image, Two Minds. Repeating patterns are naturally calming, so I designed the feathers to radiate around the face, drawing the view back to the center of the picture. The pillow-shaped body comically contrasts the intimidating talons, so Pom-Pom has attitude!
This original artwork was designed, carved, and printed by Lyell Castonguay. Ink is applied to a carved wooden block and hand-pressed onto Japanese Chiri. Chiri has randomly distributed bark pieces sprinkled throughout, so every sheet of paper is unique. The artwork is signed in pencil by the artist.
Date: 2022
Edition: 10
Proofs: 2
Size: 19 1/2″x11″ (excluding margins)
A piece written in the Portland Press Herald titled “Beep beep! This roadrunner hitched a ride from Las Vegas to Maine” inspired the creation of this woodblock print. The article explains how a roadrunner traveled as a stowaway in the back of a moving truck traveling from Nevada to Maine. By my calculations, the bird crossed 11 states and covered 2,800 miles! Long-distance travel is no big deal for migratory birds, but that’s quite a feat for the flight-averse roadrunner. The roadrunner was in good shape after having no food or water for days. Maine wildlife rehabilitators worked with the Game and Fish Department to file the necessary papers to send the bird back South. Now he’s back chasing lizards with one heck of a story to tell his friends.
Lyell Castonguay designed, carved, and printed this original artwork. Ink is applied to a carved wooden block and hand-pressed onto Strathmore 300 Series paper. Multiple carved blocks layer colors, resulting in a dramatic effect. The artist signed, titled, and numbered the edition in pencil below the image.
Date: 2022
Size: 12″x9″ (including margins)
This original artwork was designed, carved, and printed by Lyell Castonguay. Ink is applied to a carved wooden block and hand-pressed onto Japanese Chiri. Chiri has randomly distributed bark pieces sprinkled throughout, so every sheet of paper is unique. The artwork is signed in pencil by the artist.
Date: 2022
Size: 12″x9″ (including margins)
This original artwork was designed, carved, and printed by Lyell Castonguay. Ink is applied to a carved wooden block and hand-pressed onto Japanese Chiri. Chiri has randomly distributed bark pieces sprinkled throughout, so every sheet of paper is unique. The artwork is signed in pencil by the artist.
Date: 2022
Size: 12″x9″ (including margins)
The raccoon Smudge is one trash panda that loves getting dirty and doesn’t shy away from mischief in the print shop. Smudge makes a great first impression, even when caught in the ink jar!
This original artwork was designed, carved, and printed by Lyell Castonguay and Carand Burnet. Ink is applied to a carved wooden block and hand-pressed onto Japanese Chiri. Chiri has randomly distributed bark pieces sprinkled throughout, so every sheet of paper is unique. The artwork is signed in pencil by the artist.
Low Rider features a snail cruising along the forest floor. Leaves, sticks, and camouflaged insects surround the subject. Snails have beautiful swirled shells. I wanted to highlight the elegance of this form by carving it in detail. I also enlarged the snail shell to a comical degree. Size matters in the animal world. No one will mess with this plucky mollusk! The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey inspired this piece. A snail takes up residence on the author’s nightstand. Bailey chronicles snail behavior and relays facts about these unusual creatures. It’s an excellent book.
Lyell Castonguay designed, carved, and printed this original artwork. Ink is applied to a carved wooden block and hand-pressed onto Strathmore 300 Series paper. Multiple carved blocks layer colors, resulting in a dramatic effect. The artist signed, titled, and numbered the edition in pencil below the image.
Date: 2022
Size: 12″x9″ (including margins)
This original artwork was designed, carved, and printed by Lyell Castonguay. Ink is applied to a carved wooden block and hand-pressed onto Thai Mulberry paper. The artwork is signed in pencil by the artist.
Date: 2021
Size: 12″x9″ (including margins)
This woodblock print depicts mice running in and around a Swiss cheese wedge. It illustrates the classic myth that mice are crazy for the curd. Well, it turns out these critters can be picky eaters. If given a choice, mice would rather eat grains or fruit. Still, it’s satisfying to see a mouse get the cheese. It’s an example of the little guy catching a break. As the saying goes, “Every dog has its day,” instead, every mouse gets a bite!
This original artwork was designed, carved, and printed by Lyell Castonguay. Ink is applied to a carved wooden block and hand-pressed onto Japanese Chiri. Chiri has randomly distributed bark pieces sprinkled throughout, so every sheet of paper is unique. The artwork is signed in pencil by the artist.
Date: 2021
Size: 12″x9″ (including margins)
This woodblock print depicts an Eastern Box Turtle tucked neatly into its shell. His name is Soupy, and he’s a bit of a slowpoke. Humans may be advanced, but consider the humble turtle for a moment. Humans have been around for 300,000 years, but turtles have been around for 100 million. Your parents might have told you to respect your elders. Well, tip your hat to any turtle you see. It’s wild to think turtles once roamed the earth with dinosaurs, and how they pull themselves into their shell is marvelous. Imagine being able to take a nap when and where you please. No wonder turtles live so long!
This original artwork was designed, carved, and printed by Lyell Castonguay. Ink is applied to a carved wooden block and hand-pressed onto Japanese Chiri. Chiri has randomly distributed bark pieces sprinkled throughout, so every sheet of paper is unique. The artwork is signed in pencil by the artist.
Release: 2021
Edition: 9
Proofs: 3
Size: 14″x12″ (excluding margins)
“Luna” allowed me to use semi-metallic silver ink in a piece. The woodblock print has a subtle glow when light hits the surface of the image. The technical challenge was to create textures that flowed with the rabbit’s form. The contour of the moon holds the scene together and frames the subject. The piece conveys a sense of fleetingness, like the quickness of a rabbit in a moonlit moment.
Lyell Castonguay designed, carved, and printed this original artwork. Ink is applied to a carved wooden block and hand-pressed onto Strathmore 300 Series paper. Multiple carved blocks layer colors, resulting in a dramatic effect. The artist signed, titled, and numbered the edition in pencil below the image.
Release date: 2021
Limited edition: 8
Proofs: 2
Size: 48″x24″ (excluding margins)
Margins: 1 1/2″
Lyell Castonguay designed, carved, and printed this original artwork. Ink is applied to a carved wooden block and hand-pressed onto Japanese Masa paper. Multiple carved blocks layer colors, resulting in a dramatic effect. The artist signed, titled, and numbered the edition in pencil below the image.
Date: 2021
Size: 12″x9″ (including margins)
This original artwork was designed, carved, and printed by Lyell Castonguay. Ink is applied to a carved wooden block and hand-pressed onto Japanese Chiri. Chiri has randomly distributed bark pieces sprinkled throughout, so every sheet of paper is unique. The artwork is signed in pencil by the artist.
Date: 2021
Size: 12″x9″ (including margins)
This image is a whimsical combination of a Zebra Finch and an Orange Weaver (Red Bishop) Finch. Both varieties have a lovely song and beautiful plumage.
Lyell Castonguay designed, carved, and printed this original artwork. Ink is applied to a carved wooden block and hand-pressed onto Japanese Chiri paper. The artist signed and titled the print in pencil below the image.
Date: 2021
Size: 12″x9″ (including margins)
This original artwork was designed, carved, and printed by Lyell Castonguay. Ink is applied to a carved wooden block and hand-pressed onto Japanese Chiri. Chiri has randomly distributed bark pieces sprinkled throughout, so every sheet of paper is unique. The artwork is signed in pencil by the artist.
Year: 2020
Edition: 5
Size: 37″ x 30″ (including margins)
This woodblock print includes portraits of a Fancy Chicken, Clydesdale Horse, and Pygmy Goat. An elegant grain accent border encircles the trio. Dress up your house with a farm flair, or gift this piece to your favorite animal lover.
Lyell Castonguay designed, carved, and printed this original artwork. Ink is applied to a carved wooden block and hand-pressed onto Thai Mulberry paper. The artist signed, titled, and numbered the edition in pencil below the image.
Date: 2020
Size: 12″x9″ (including margins)
This original artwork was designed, carved, and printed by Lyell Castonguay. Ink is applied to a carved wooden block and hand-pressed onto Japanese Chiri. Chiri has randomly distributed bark pieces sprinkled throughout, so every sheet of paper is unique. The artwork is signed in pencil by the artist.
Date: 2020
Size: 12″x9″ (including margins)
The Toadadillo is a small reptile and mammalian hybrid found in wetlands throughout North, Central, and South America. Their body characteristics combine elements of the Yosemite Toad, a Nine-Banded Armadillo, and its tail resembles that of a crocodile. Their diet consists primarily of smaller amphibians and fish. They are most agile in water but venture on land to search for insects when aquatic food sources are scarce. The Toadadillo’s shell coloration is muted browns and tans. However, during mating season, the shell changes to red, orange, and yellow. Toadadillos carry leprosy and will jump aggressively during this time. Remember the saying, “Stay away from Toadadillos in May.” if you encounter one in the wild.
This original artwork was designed, carved, and printed by Lyell Castonguay. Ink is applied to a carved wooden block and hand-pressed onto Japanese Chiri. Chiri has randomly distributed bark pieces sprinkled throughout, so every sheet of paper is unique. The artwork is signed in pencil by the artist.
